The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-11-19
A TERRIBLE REVENGE.
A Dispute About Lands in the Fiji
teenth Century.

We were bound for Courmayeur, an
Alpine resort at the foot of Mont Blanc,
1000 feet above the level of the sea, and
the drive from, Aosta repeats on
grander scale the scenery of the lower
half the valley. We follow the river
between rocks and ravines, vine COW
cred slopes, ruined castles, picturesque
brown-roofed villages, and groves of
chestnut and walnut. The country
seats of the Aostan nobility, stern me-
dIeyal strongholds, set about with
royal hunting lodge of La Sarre, throw
q note of modern luxury amid the
wild surroundings. Soon the val
snow peaks cluster thickly ahead. To
the left through the opening of another
valley, we have passing sight of Girl
Vola's sharp, white cone, buttressed by
purple crags. At the next turn yawns
a dark gully delVing into the heart Of
the COgne mountains, and at its mouth,
on an isolated peak, stands the castle
of Montmayeur.
This was the nest of q turbulent
brood, whose device was "UnguibuS ct
rOStrO," and the following legend tells
how the head OF the house liVeI up to
his motto, somewhere about the middle
of the fifteenth century. Count Mont
mayeur generally dwelt in Savoy,
where he owned large estates. Part of
these lands were claimed by kinsman,
and after much fierce dispute
the matter was laid before
the senate of Chambery. When
notice of this suit reached Mont
mayeur at his castle of Clairvaux, a
few miles from the city, he instantly
rode down to the senate house with
bag full of title deeds at his saddle bow,
and. whether by logic or threats,
pleaded his cause so well that the presi-
dent of the tribunal, one Sieur de
Fessigny, staked his life on the counts
success. The verdict, nevertheless, was
given against him, and Montmayeur,
with mighty oath swore to be re-
venged. But time went on, and there
was no sign of either beak or claws icing
called into play.
Then one morning Fessigny was sur
prised by visit from the defeated count
and still more surprised by his couI teous
and smiling demeanor. Montmayeur
was weary, it seemed, of family strife,
and, having already made peace with
with other friends and relations to
grand banquet. Might he not hope to
be also favored with the presidents
company.
DeFessigny hummed and had, but
finally accepted the invitation, and on
the appointed day rode up to the gates
of ClaIrVaux. He had passed no one On
the road, the castle looked grim and de-
serted, there were no signs of festiVity
to be seen, and for moment he felt
strongly inclined to turn tail and gallop
back down the steep descent. But the
chieftain. all smiles and ahability, stood
waiting to welcome him under the
archway with thanks for his kind
punctuality. The other guests had not
yet appeared the host became fdgety,
astonished, annoyed, and presently
ordered the repast to be served without
them. The presidents suspicious were
quite allayed by this time. The dishes
were exquisite, the wines of the choicest
growths. He drank deep; SO did the
count. Their tongues loosened, Jest
followed jest, and the host was most
excellent company. Their merriment
was at its height, when suddenly Mont
mayeur's manner changed, and he said
in solemn tone:
"Seur de Fessigny, are you a good
Christian
What do you mean ?" asked the as
tonished guest.
The inquiry was repeated with in
creased emphasis.
The president laughed. and raising
his glass, answered lightly:
You are very kind, my dear count;
what concern may you have in the
state of my soul2"
Turn around and you will see,"
Numbered Montmayeur.
De Fessigny turned and sprang to his
feet The arras behind him had been
drawn aside. He saw funeral bier at
the end of the hall, and dozen monks
ranged aroung it and began chanting a
litany for the dead. A masked figure,
dressed in red, stood. ak in hand, beside
a block.
De Fessigny's eyes opened, his glass
dropped, and the blCod-red wine ran
along the uneven floor, staining the
stones by the block.
Through you lost lands and gold"
cried the count. Your head is for
feited. Quick. make peace with heaven,
for you have to die"
The sacred president tried to laugh.
This is sorry jest, my lord count"
he stammered with trembling lips.
"'Tis no jest. Make thy peace with
God"
Then the betrayed man fell upon his
knees, appealing to the laws of hospi-
tally, asking mercy for wife and child s
sake. But in vain. at q sim from
their chief two of the feigned monks
dragged the victim to the block, and in
an instant the executioner's work was
done.
Early the next morning the count
mounted his horse and-again with
leathern bag at his saddle boW-rode
down to the senate.
"aere is a fresh document connected
with my case" he said. laying his ba g
on the table, and hastily saluting the
at once quilted the hall and
rode away. The senators sat waiting
for their president, grumbling some
what at his delay, when presently red
drops were seen oozing from the leath-
ern bag. 1t was opened and they found
the head of De Fessigny.
After this act of violence the count
found it expedient to leave Savoy, and
flying across the mountains, long defed
Justice in his impregnable castle of